SusceptibilityTesting

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OLS performs a variety of testing to detect resistance patterns and mechanisms. This includes both traditional susceptibility testing such as Etest and broth microdilutions to advanced molecular techniques such as PCR and whole genome sequencing. Current organisms being tested are Acinetobacter species, Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing bacteria. OLS plans to expand testing to include Candida species in the near future.

Additionally, OLS also coordinates colonization screening. Colonization screening is a process set up to detect and reduce the risk of germs spreading in a healthcare facility (in this case, germs with unusual resistance). Some people can carry germs without becoming sick or showing symptoms, known as colonization. People who are colonized can spread the germs to others without knowing it. When unusual resistance is identified in a patient, health care workers screen other patients to see if they are colonized with the same resistant germ. This can prompt additional infection control actions reducing the risk of spread and protect patients.